Which grad school is best for intl affairs?

[Elizka]

Hi all, 

I’m an international student. Last week I learned I’ve been accepted to the MALD program at Tufts and MSFS at Georgetown, and I’m still waiting for decisions from other schools. Regardless of that, I’m already having a hard time trying to decide between these two. I was thinking of SFS for years as it’s ranked #1. Unfortunately it didn’t offer me any scholarship (are there any funding alternatives for intl students in SFS?), while Fletcher did and quite substantial. Despite SFS being my dream come true, Fletcher is way more generous (and friendly, very attentive and welcoming). I’d also like to get your opinions on which of these two schools is more recognized as a brand in the US, and which is better in terms of quality of education and career prospects specifically in international organizations? I got my first MA in Middle East studies, have very basic economic and legal background, and I’m seeking now to get more concrete skills in at least one of these two areas. So I’m also wondering which school would equip me better in those skills. Any views you might want to share are more than welcome! 

[Leznver]

Georgetown SFS is the oldest and best ranked Foreign Service program in the USA. But Fletcher isn't too shabby either. They are both well respected programs. 

[HBLB]

Both programs are very good, with Georgetown being the more prestigious and well known, but Tufts is also very well regarded. Since you already have an MA in Middle East Studies and relevant work experience the ranking of the program/prestige may not matter as much for your future career prospects. I assuming that you have a considerable edge over us Americans as well, since Europeans 99.9% of the time have much better language skills. Georgetown is more prestigious, but if you like Tufts, for its superior funding, the environment of the school, and because you have relevant work and academic experience and language skills, it is still an excellent choice, and maybe the better one...

[pol_mil_junkie]

Like HBLB said, since you already have an MA and work experience I think you should make this decision based on personal preference factors for where you want to live and what kind of social interaction and campus experience you want. Georgetown is great but I find its cramped location, lack of parking, no metro access, and expensive housing to be major pain in the ass. I have never visited Tufts but I'm assuming it's more of the usual sub/ex-urban idyllic college campus.